Chirenjenzie discussion

http://www.amazon.com/Amaretto-Flame-...

My book is only available as an eBook and for ereaders at the moment. :-)

Hi Sammie
I've found that there are always some who prefer print books. if & when you're ready, there's lots of inexpensive options like Lightning Source that partners with Ingrams to distribute to B&N, Amazon, etc.
Good luck!
Lorna

Thanks, Lorna. It's something I definitely want to look into!

L.T. wrote: "Hi Sammie
I've found that there are always some who prefer print books. if & when you're ready, there's lots of inexpensive options like Lightning Source that partners with Ingrams to distribute to..."

Question Lorna, would you recommend Lightning Source over the other POD publishers? Create Space, etc. People are requesting print versions so I guess I am going to have to bite the bullet. I'm not afraid to admit that I'm clueless when it comes to this. I've done some research, but would like some first hand recommendations/advice...

Sammie wrote: "Thanks, Lorna. It's something I definitely want to look into!"

Hi Sammie, definitely! In fact, I've been pulling all my books from my former POD publisher Trafford. Lightning Source wasn't available to individual authors back then, but now that I've discovered Trafford charges big $$$ to distribute thru Ingram, I've yanked my books.
For example, it's hundreds of $$ to publish a book using Trafford & that is with no distribution (You sell yourself). Or for $70 set up & the optional $60, you can be included in Ingram's advanced calendar.
This is something Trafford charges big bucks for, but LS is already affiliated with Ingrams. It seems that Trafford & other POD services don't make their money from book sales, they make their money from the authors. Charging exorbitant amounts for print books, setting up ebooks, & then "promoting" the work!
LS does all this & more for a fraction of the price. They're print books are excellent quality (many trad. pubs us their printing services) & for way less than Trafford charges per book.
They are very fast (I received my proof copies within a week of submitting), professional, and understand they more books they sell, the more we both make!
Since Trafford has changed hands, I've noticed service has suffered. I've published 8 novels with them & where they would give me discounts for being a return publisher, not anymore! They rather lose me as a customer than to give me any kind of publishing discount.
This year, a new marketing rep called me twice, asking if I like to put myself down for a special opportunity to "pitch" my books to the film industry. Apparently, she claimed my series was chosen from the hundreds of titles as it has merit in terms of a potential film project. She said she read my books (how? I pulled the 1st 5 titles) and said for a fee, it can be pitched.
When I told her my first three novels are already optioned, she said, "What does that mean?"
My jaw almost hit the floor! She's talking about pitching books to the film industry & doesn't know what it means? I explained what it meant, & again, she said she can pitch it. I had to tell her I received money for the optioning fee & it's in pre-production right now.
The real kicker, she called last week, saying my books were selected from many titles to participate in a program that will 'teach me how to pitch to the film industry'!
Since the original company sold, it's like the right hand doesn't know what the left is doing.
Anyway, I digress! I like LS because they allow authors to keep their book rights, they distribute thru Ingram (CreateSpace is own by Amazon so I understand they restrict sales to Amazon) so LS distributes to B&N, Amazon, Chapters/Indigo & more.
They track monthly sales & promptly report each month (do a google search of CreateSpace or other POD services or check the BBB. It seems the biggest problem with CreateSpace has been in royalty issues & limited distribution).
Anyway, with LS available now, I can see other POD companies having a real struggle trying to survive.
I've also heard from so many authors to stay away from a company called Publish America.
I hope this helps!

And whatever you do, do NOT go with iuniverse! Their accounting department uses fingers and toes to figure out how many books you've actually sold. I literally lost hundreds in non-reported sales, but I can't prove it!

Oooh Lorna and Beth - thank you so much for the information. It really helps a lot. I was considering Create Space but I really want a company I can trust. I feel like there are enough obstacles for a self-published author to hurdle as it is...don't need problems from the publishing company. =)

Lorna - WOW...your books have been optioned. That is SUPER exciting!!!

Beth - THAT is so frustrating! And you switched over to LS too?

Yep. Lightning source is the bomb! And I have the ebook on smashwords (which funnels into barnes and noble and ibooks) and then I have a seperate ebook through Amazon (which doesn't pick up smashwords). That covers all the main ebook bases.

Also, I'm starting a new thread under the just publishing folder with Lorna's info on it :-D

Elizabeth wrote: "Yep. Lightning source is the bomb! And I have the ebook on smashwords (which funnels into barnes and noble and ibooks) and then I have a seperate ebook through Amazon (which doesn't pick up smashwo..."

Psst, Sammie! Beth is the bomb! I also have my print books available through LS, ebooks in various formats via Smashwords, & separate ebooks for Kindle at Amazon. It's working for me at the fraction of what these POD companies charge! Good luck!

Yeah - I'm doing the Smashwords and Kindle thing...but I think (not know, because I am winging this whole thing - lol) but I think I will do better if I have print books. I've decided that if I do get print books, I'm going to go with LS. Thanks so so so so much for the info!

You're both the bomb! =D